BoS Prompts 18: Divination.

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Prompt 18. Sunday 25th March 2018 - The 18th prompt will be..  Divination.

This week I have run out of energy and time to write all what I wanted to write about.  So I have stuck with some of the main types of Divination that are most commonly practiced and at the end I have referenced a website which has a long list of hundreds of forms and practices and sub practices of Divination.  - Since we are soon coming to the end of these blogs (at least for now) you might not want to rush and take your time to look at each subject and type; Study, practice and familiarise yourself with some of the basics even if you don't think it's your cup of tea (pardon that pun).

Divination.

For the purpose of this blog I will be referring to all forms of Divination and Fortune Telling etc as Divination.  I will explain..

The name Divination derives from the Latin word divinare which translation means "to foresee, to be inspired by a god".  Forms of Divination include many different types of practice from Tarot Card reading to Crystal Ball gazing (Scrying), using a Pendulum (Dowsing), Tea Leaf reading (Tasseomancy), Palmistry and beyond..   

Divination is such a wide wide wide topic and is the name collectively given to any ‘act’ that reveals The Future, Fortune and/or Fate.  Divination as said was/is done to gain insight into the unknown; most often the future but also the present giving answers to questions we might not have even asked consciously or it is seen as fate, an omen, what could be coming, warnings or simply answers.  Origins of Divination that readings be it Runes, Weather/Nature, Cards or Gazing into the remnants of a drink and even into the night sky etc and all this was interpreted as messages from the Divine (God/Goddess) or some other unknown being or even our future selves. Divination is viewed differently by different people and can therefore also be interpreted differently.  Seeing the shape and form of what could be one woman’s cat could be another man’s dog, or even a fox or other animal (speaking from a recent candle smoke picture I shared on my Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/p/BgkWYdehnL8/?taken-by=missimoinsane) – this is one of the reasons why Divination is often dismissed by skeptics (non believers) as being superstition; it is very easy to see what you want and make connections, the human brain is very good at forming faces and known shapes in items where faces wouldn't appear such as net curtains, stone, trees etc.  I’ll explain more about this in the ‘Card Reading’ section below.

Some say that there is a difference between 'Divination' and 'Fortune Telling' the first being that the reading is done as more of a ritual it's long and drawn out and treated with great respect and the act of the Divination would be a very symbolic working deeply rooted in religion and/or faith.  Usually practiced to gain an understanding on a larger scale, for example old Indian Tribes would do a form of Divination to gain insight to their future, tribe future, the weather, choice they as a tribe or individual should make all of course interpreting the signs as messages from God.  Not always the case, but throughout history there are a lot of Divination occurrences.  Whereas ‘Fortune Telling’ is more of an everyday practice highly associated with fairground attractions, gypsy booths and even freakshows - cheapened by movies and TV.  Often the same or similar imagery comes to mind when we say 'Fortune Teller' (are you not seeing a Gypsy like woman with her hands wrapped around a Crystal Ball?).  It's a more modernised approach and usually done for more personal gain (like a more selfish reason to know who we will end up with, how our lives will pan out as opposed to if our tribes in danger, if we need to plant more due to natural disaster and such) and often no ritual (or religious aspect) takes place during the Fortune Telling.  - There for we can think of this as more of a more “modern” Divination if you will, even though still hundreds of years old..  However each separate form and practice usually gets lumped together as just 'Divination'.

As said today Divination (Fortune Telling) incorporates tools into practice of psychics, mediums, witches, pagans and even mundanes (none magickal / gifted people).  Various forms of Divination come with stigmas, superstitions, legends, omens etc and a great vast history (as mentioned) some dating way back in time even to BC!  Plus a crazy amount of skeptics (non believers in Divination) and even haters.  Divination tools can be purchased or made, for me I feel that making gives a more personal connection although a lot of my items are purchased.  There's multiple ways of making those tools connect with you such as sleeping with them under your pillow and/or carrying them on your person or simply just working with them..  You'll get a feeling and a connection if that particular item is or isn't working for you.  Purchase items old or new should be Cleansed, Consecrated and Charged but this is down to what feels right for you.

The color purple is highly associated with Divination, Fortune Telling or anything relating to mysticism, psychic abilities/powers and/or magick.  

So let us look at some of today's practices.  – I feel it’s important to tell you I am no way an expert, experienced or even in full understanding of all of the form of Divination.  I will do my best to give the most accurate information here but these are all subjects I’m still learning or some only just started to learn while others I’ve been practicing for years; even before I knew what it was!

Card Reading.

Tarot Cards / Oracle Cards / Fortune Cards / Karma Cards / Angel Cards / Sigil Cards etc..  I’m lumping them all together here while they are different.  Most common would be the Tarot Cards as they’ve been greatly features in movies, TV shows and even books.  They’re iconic symbolism in most Occult / Goth / Witchy fashions.  Any ‘Fortune Teller’ worth their salt will have at least one deck on hand always.

Cards while often arrive boxed are usually stored in a bag or cloth usually of silk or satin as to show respect to the cards.

Cards can be drawn and read in multiple ways for yourself or for others.  Readings for yourself or others with cards is done by a question being asked (or most commonly a Past, Present, Future three card draw) and then the cards drawn (picked) from the deck in the way of which the reader deems best; often readings for others will include them cutting the deck (separating the pile), shuffling the deck and/or choosing a card or cards from a fanned out spread of cards.  Some people don’t like their cards to be handled by other people as they believe, much like with any magickal objects, peoples energies are transferred over (see my Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge blog for more information of peoples energies etc).  As said sometimes the cards are shuffled and fanned out (spread across a table) and one or more is chosen by what your eye is drawn to.  Other times cards are shuffled three times and then the top card is the chosen card and then shuffled again three times for the next and so on.  Sometimes cards are shuffled once and cards are drawn from the top without need to reshuffle after each card draw.  There are other ways of drawing and choosing cards which goes onto card layouts, meanings and such.   Cards usually have more than one meaning and can be applied literally or metaphorically to a person's situation.  Along side interpreting cards upside down to have reverse meanings much like with runes.

Card reading is probably one of the most common forms of Divination today.  Decks are also highly collectable and readers usually have a number of them.  I myself am not so much into Tarot, though I own a few Tarot, Oracle, Fortune, Karma etc.. Decks.  I like visuals and I connect very well visually to item, places, people and things so therefore I would rather a Fortune or Oracle card with a word and a well illustrated image to give a clearer understanding and image (literally and mentally).  - This in turn means I am able to make associations and connections much better than just a number and suit of a card.  

Skeptics don’t believe in Card Readings they say that anyone can make connections with any Tarot / Fortune / Oracle  etc..  Cards as you can often connect any card with something going on in your life right now.  

For me it speaks to me when I can make something higher than an association; a connection – this is more when a certain aspect is really risen and dominantly in my life and a card drawn at that time speaks to me exactly and helps me realise what I need to do or look at the situation differently.  – I remember one time this stands out to me.  I was having a very difficult time in a relationship and I was toying with the idea of traveling to see him but I didn’t want to go alone, I didn’t know what to do for the best and I didn’t know if just showing up was the answer.  I turned to my cards and drew a reading for the week/weekend ahead and indeed this dilemma.. which basically said that ‘I had a difficult decision ahead of me and that I should travel to seek my answers, once there I should rely on a wise elder (friend) for their wisdom and guidance of what I should do but the truth will be revealed before I return I should have the answers I seek be beware unforseen surprise’.  – It was just so fitting!!  And more so creepy when I got there with my friend and there was my boyfriends other girlfriend.. 

Scrying.

Scrying is most commonly associated with the mental image of The Fortune Teller (as previously mentioned) – Scrying can also be known as ‘Seeing’ or even ‘Peeping’ it can be done with a Crystal Ball, Black Mirror or other shiny reflective surface – Preferably not an actual mirror as that would cause distraction being able to see yourself plainly.  Alternatively scrying can be done by looking into a drinks reflective surface such as tea or a bowl of water.  It can also be done with smoke and/or candle flame.  The act of Scrying is gazing into the object unlocking the third eye and subconscious to create images in the reflection to our minds eye which is projected to use and interoperated as a shape or form which then has symbolic meaning.  (I wrote a blog about Symbolism!  But I urge you to invest in books related to your topic and of course books on symbolism such as ‘Element Encyclopaedia Secret Signs & Symbols’ also maybe some tea leaf and/or dream dictionaries and other symbolism books etc..)  

As mentioned skeptics don’t so much believe in ‘Divination’ since as with Cards you’re looking for an answer which may be more ‘convenient’ to you.

Dowsing.

Dowsing is mostly commonly done using a Dowsing Pendulum to gain answers to questions.  Dowsing however can also be done with those ‘L Sticks’ used one in each hand most commonly known to aid finding water, gravity pulls or spiritual activity depending on your beliefs.  Other Dowsing tools include the Y Rod and the Bobber.

Using a Dowsing Pendulum to find answers (unlike in the popular TV show Charmed where they used the term Scrying when they meant Dowsing and used their Pendulum many times over maps to locate someone – I’m sorry to say this is TV Magic and this doesn’t actually happen!)  A Pendulum is used by you ask a question hold the non-pointed end and let the Pendulum hang down.  You ask a question that you know the answer to ‘Yes’, ‘No’, ‘Maybe’ and ‘Don’t Know’ or ‘Unsure’.  There’s no right or wrong Pendulum typically it’s an item on one end that is a heavier (and usually pointed) object most commonly made of semi-precious stone or crystal and then is attached to a freely moving piece of chain or string and then on the other end it might be knotted or have a charm or something that you can hold.  (Traditionally this would be a non metallic item such as a crystal on a string just so people cant say the Pendulum was pulled by a magnetic field.)  You’d hold this between your thumb and first two fingers (of your dominant hand).  Then let the weight hang straight down from the chain or string.  As your questions “Am I a boy?” “Am I a girl?” “Is my name Tom?” “Is my name Imogen”..  as what you like but has to be something you know the answer too to begin with so you get a feel for which way the Pendulum swings (Up and Down Yes, Left and Right No, Diagonally or in Circles Maybe?  Get the feel for which way is Yes, Which is No...).  Then ask your questions..   Now there’s a few way this can be interoperated.  For Skeptics they say its gravity or magnetic pull or that you’re swinging it yourself.  For some it’s a Spirit, Divine or Unknown Being moving the Pendulum to give the answers! and for others (like me) we feel you can’t ask questions you don’t know the answer too like “Will it rain tomorrow?” but you can ask things like “Is going out with my parents tonight a good idea?” because what happens is it triggers the subconscious part of our brain otherwise known as our true self or inner self – it works as like your gut feeling and knows answers like where you actually misplaced your phone, if you really do or don’t want to do something etc (I wrote a blog which touches on this in the clair senses and intuition blog) but it’s that trigger (like in the episode of Friends when Phoebe asks Joey a bunch of questions and he has to just answer really fast and not think just answer and he gives her the answer to which route he would rather take to the movie set ending his dilema..  Well that!)  Those brain waves cause slight muscular movements causing the Pendulum to swing one way or another to which association you have.  For me up and down is usually yes, left and right no, diagonally is maybe and round in circles is I don’t know.  

Sometimes if I don’t like the outcome or I feel disappointed with the answer the Pendulum will switch and change direction.  Pendulums for me or Dowsing is best done when I’m in two minds about a decision.  My main Pendulum (named Divina) is one of the oldest tools I have I bought her when I was 18 (I’m now 29) and she’s a pink agate.  I also have much smaller black onyx I keep in my travel altar and I have a seaglass bead I found at the beach I sometimes use.  If I feel the need for one and I don’t have one with me I use my pentacle necklace.  There’s no real right or wrong way to create a Pendulum (although I have some for sale on my eBay UK with Global Shipping).

Palmistry.

Palmistry or palm reading is another Divination form of reading commonly associated with the Gypsy Fortune Teller.  It is the study of the hand or more specifically the palm and foretelling a person’s future through the study the lines, creases, dents and such forth. 

Palmistry is not one of my practiced Divinations (yet) but the subject I do find intriguing.

Aura Reading.

Aura reading is seeing and reading the a kinetic field / distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds (and is generated by) a person, animal, place and/or object.  Practicing this come so easy to very few and very difficult and impossible to others.  I believe it’s done by looking at the subject and unfocusing your eyes almost like you’re looking through the subject so it becomes blur and a fuzzy coloured form appears around the outside.  This can be white, grey or coloured..  These colours usually have their own interpretation and meanings.  For some very well practiced and/or gifted people seeing and even feeling Aura’s comes as second nature.

Again Aura reading is not something I practice.  I have read books and watched videos and been told to hold my hand up in front of a all-white or all black background and focus and unfocused my eyes on my hand.  Sometimes I’m a little successful however it causes eye strain and pain for me rather quickly apparently with practice it will go away but I fear damaging my eyes further.  

There is a lot online about this subject one website that references colours would be https://paranormal.lovetoknow.com/Aura_Colors_and_Their_Meaning

Tasseography / Tasseomancy. (Tea Leaf Reading)

Tasseography or Tasseomancy is the Divination of interpreting shapes and symbols through reading tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments.  Throughout history people have been looking for the answers in the bottom of drinking vessels (and no I’m not talking about drowning your sorrows with beer).  Even though tea was discovered in 2737BC by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung it wasn’t until the Seventeenth Century that tea leaf reading became popular (mostly the rich since tea was very expensive and it would be a way to pass time after afternoon tea for well to do people who didn’t need to work.)  But originally it was the Romans in apx 753BC who used to read the dregs in the bottom of their wine remnants to interoperate symbols and signs to give readings and tell fortunes much like how we do today; Only today we are more focused on reading tea leaves and coffee grounds since our wine is usually filtered and not all of use drink.

This is often done with loose tea, not herbal tea and not bagged tea either – bagged tea tends to be too fine and small while herbal has unwanted items such as flower petals or fruit chunks in it.  Loose green tea, black or white tea is ideal in a shallow round based cup with a saucer (or small plate) with milk and sweetener if desired.  Once the tea is drank turn the cup upside down on the saucer and let drain for 30 seconds before righting the cup and reading the remaining leaves that form patterns and shapes in the bottom of a cup much like in Scrying.  I recently got into this and picked up a wonderful book called ‘The art of tea-leaf reading’ by Jane Struthers it has a brief but detailed history of Tea and goes on to explain all about tea leaf reading, ritual, choosing a teapot and/or cup and an extensive 100 symbol directory of shapes you might come across.

Runes.

Runes are another form of Divination they're cast and read and interpreted symbolism much like other forms of Divination.  I have already wrote a blog about a few different kinds of Runes such as Elder Futhark and Witches Runes.  This blog also contains information on symbolism and can be found HERE.






I have touched based on a few more common types of Divination however believe me there’s hundreds and each have subtypes.  I found this website which seems to be a good collective list of types of Divination https://www.paranormal-encyclopedia.com/d/Divination/types.html 

Activity..

• Research more about the different types of Divination.
• (Optional) Practice the different types of Divination.

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.

Interact with me Activity..

• (Optional) on the Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..  

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next week (1st April) no post due to Easter Sunday
Sunday April 8th's prompts No.19 -  Starting to learn Stones & Herbs etc..

BoS Prompts 17: Types of Witches..

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Prompt 17. Sunday 18th March 2018 - The 17th prompt will be..  Types of Witches.

This week is perhaps a slight cop out for me..  As it’s a lot of work for you and well not so much for me!!

First lets say that this week is focused on witches..  I understand not everyone is interested in this subject.  Some of you are here as Pagans.  However even if you're not interested or think you already know everything there is to know yourself please still read..  I believe it's important to learn and view other peoples opinions and perhaps increase your education and knowledge.  Or recap and refresh your memory.  I know personally when I first started getting into Witchcraft I was in my element as I hadn't realised the things I'd done for years was actually a real thing and not just pretend in the movies..  Education always defeats ignorance..  Even if you still don't believe in the end at least you know exactly what it is you don't believe so you can hold a better opposing argument.  As said I encourage you to read and go study further (even if you already have) I know a lot of people, like myself, consider themselves to be a Pagan of sorts as well as a Witch of sorts and yes you can be both, one or neither.  Now we have that cleared up a little let's delve in..

Please note the following is written from my personal education and thoughts, I am happy for you to disagree with me.. in fact I encourage you to converse with me about it as I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and practices too..

So what do I mean by types of Witches?

No I don’t mean good, bad, fire, water, light, dark………….  Well I suppose I could mean that if that's what you believe and/or practice but what I actually meant is there are different practices of witches; as there are witches that have different focus, practice and beliefs.  Witches that focus on herbs only, on prayer only, on fairy magick, on elemental, on Mother Earth, on only divination...  There are witches that are more focused on a Pagan practice such as Shaman Witches, Druid Witches, Wiccan Witches..  Although the two are not always the same you can be a Witch without being a Pagan.  As said that not all Pagans are Wiccans, all Wiccans are Pagans and some of these people are Witches too.

Before we go on I think it's important to mention that 'witch' is the name of someone who practices witchcraft.  This is not gender specific, you do not have to be a female to be a witch.  This is often confused and said that male witches are Wizards though this is not true (unless you wish to identify yourself as such).  Equally male witches are also not Warlocks.  In fact Warlock in old English is actually a very offensive term to label someone its meaning "oathbreaker" someone who has deceived and gone against their tribe / clan / coven / people and are now tarnished with this name and cast out.  Other names for magical people may be Mage, Alchemist or Sorcerer.  - Feel free to look up those definitions. 

So let me mention a few types of witches which might get you started..

Green Witch:  A Green witch (no we don’t mean her skin is green, thanks Hollywood!) but a Witch who is one with the Earth or more specifically who’s practice is with Nature Magick and their working are with Mother Earth.  This extends beyond just growing, picking and using herbs.  A lot of the practice would be done in the woods or lakes (or other larger bodies of water) to literally be one with the Earth throughout their practice.  A Green Witch usually makes her own tool and uses mostly items found in Nature / connected to Mother Earth in their practice.   

Flora Witch: A Flora Witch is A Green Witch who is more into the floristry side of things and who mostly uses flowers in their practice.

Herbal Witch: Much like a Flora Witch a Herbal Witch is again A Green Witch who mostly uses herbs in their practice.

Hedge Witch: A Green Witch may also be known as a Hedge Witch.  Hedge witches are most often symbolised as a type of large bird such as a raven and sometimes a goose.  It is said that the Hedge Witch has the ability to travel to and from other realms / worlds and communicate with spirits.  They’re recognised as powerful healers or even midwives.  - I have actually written a blog all about hedge witches (which you can read here) this was written some time ago as part of a class study!

Kitchen Witch: The Kitchen Witch name isn't exactly as it says on the label; as typically a Kitchen Witch is not just confined to the kitchen like some old house wife.  Although her practice is more focused on potions and brews as well as the stereo typical broth and other edible/consumable goods.  The tools are usually quite practical and mostly kitchen based and their practice usually focused on practical magick.  That's not to say they don't make the rest of their home and its surroundings magickal or practice outside the kitchen.

Cottage Witch: Cottage Witches are more focused on the Home similar to the Kitchen Witch but their practice also focuses on practical magick as well as rituals and ceremonies.  A Cottage Witch also makes practical and mundane items into their tools and also everyday tasks into sacred acts as well as being very much focused on ‘nesting’ and making her home and its surroundings a magickal place.  Often the Cottage Witches practice is focused around the home and family.

Ceremonial Witch: Some witches are more Ceremonial based these are sometimes known as Ceremonial Witches which as the name suggests they are more focused on holding ceremonies and rituals.  Their knowledge is nearly always passed down through ancestry and practiced from a ceremonial book eg a Book of Shadows.  Their practice usually calls for an archetypal figures and/or known spiritual entities that represent the kind of energy they wish to manifest. 

Gardnerian Witch: Gerald Gardner created a form of Wicca known as the Gardnerian Wiccan or the Gardner movement in the 1950’s derived from that has become a type of witch known as Gardnerian Witch whose practice I’m sure you can guess is mostly Gardner Wiccan based.

Dianic Witch: Dianic Witches stem from the most feminist of all Wiccan movements, the Cult of Diana.  The Cult of Diana focuses primarily on the worship of the Goddess.  Dianic witches are usually female 99% of the time.

Eclectic Witch: Of course you also have Eclectic Witch which basically like anything and everything ‘eclectic’ generally means not restricted to one type or takes various bits from other types.  For example my music taste is very eclectic I don’t just like rock, country, flute pan music I like bands from this type and songs from that type.  There for Eclectic Witches practice a variety of magick.  – For me I consider myself Eclectic Wiccan / Pagan and a Witch because I take different things I study and apply what appeals to me to my practice, what feels right to me.  I don’t like to stick to one set way of doing things..  I like to dabble in different kinds of spell work, ceremony, ritual, divination and other practices.  I had a deep love for herbalism and horticulture workings but I’m also a fire sign and very into my candles too.  I also love musical ritual and working with sound, sometimes I drift away from the hedge witch healer into a more cottage witch / kitchen witch as I love to make my home and its surroundings magickal as well as make use of everyday items and do daily practical magick with mundane things and other times I find myself plunging into alchemy type workings, sigils and runes, oracle, spell writing I like to write my own and I take different things I like and apply them to me and my practice / journey..  

Faery Witch: Another name for Eclectic Witches maybe a Faery Witch or at least they’re somewhat similar.  A Faery Witch is one who practices their own practice typically a lot of their practice is created themselves from what they have observed.  Rather than Eclectic that takes what it likes Faery creates from what it likes.  That said as the name may suggest their practice they may wish to communicate or have association with fae, fairy, folk and nature type spirits - As they too are known as observers. 

Shamanic Witch, Gypsy Witch, Elemental Witches, Draconic Witches, Vampiric Witches, Spiritual Witches, Psychic / Medium Witches, Techno Witch, Modern Witch, Traditional Witch, Druid…  Oh the list goes on for types of witches.  Feel free to study each and others.  


Other people believe there to be witches that practice light / white / good (positive) magick and others that practice dark / black / evil (bad / negative) magick.  Some people believe there's grey magick too which is sort of an inbetween of the two.  For me I believe that everyone is capable of all kinds of magick regardless of what type of witch they set out to be.  Doing workings to negatively affect or harm others or to bring love and peace but at what cost?  Even if your intention is to bind someone (that would be bad) to stop hurting someone (that would be good), or (and this is why I hate 'love' magick) forcing someone to love you (bad for them, good for you).  Always really think about your intentions before you set out to do any workings.  There are also people who believe in Karma and/or the three fold law / rule in that anything you do (good or bad) will come back to you / come back to you three times.  This could be it happens 3 times or is what would be considered 3 times worse or better than what you did.  - Note doing things specifically to get good Karma or good back is considered bad!!  (I won't be going into 3 fold law or Karma so feel free to look into that further if you wish.)

Open or in the broom closet witches?

I absolutely love that term derived from the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender etc scene being that you're still "in the closet" and not out and open about your sexuality to the world.  Being in the broom closet is much like that in that you're not open to your family, friends and/or the world as a Witch (and/or Pagan).

Some people go their whole lives in secret practice; this is sometimes because of personal choice but often it's more because of how society perceive witches and/or witchcraft, because you feeling stupid due to other peoples ignorance / lack of education on the subject (ie tarnished as a satanist, devil worshiper, idiot!).  Or because their family is highly religious and it would be frowned upon.  These days because of Social Media this has become a lot more popularised and well known.  Equally it's easy to create a persona on the internet and have a whole witchy internet life and hide it outside in the real world (think of yourself like some Witchy Hannah Montana) - This is a great time to show off your magickal name that you choose (feel free to look into that yourself) though some people keep this secret or just between their coven as there is believed to be a lot of power in a name.  Other Witches are out to close friends and family and some of us are out to the whole world and don't care what anyone thinks..!  But know even in 2018 there's still witch hunters out there who will kill anyone claiming to be a witch!!  - No Joke!!

Side Note: PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT TELLING YOU TO LIE TO YOUR FAMILY AND/OR OR DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD UPSET/HURT THEM.  TRY AND FIND A WAY TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF BUT WITH DAMAGE CONTROL.  - There are such things as ChristoWitches / ChristoPagans (Christian Witch/Pagans)  I'm unsure how that works..  but feel free to look into it and/or ask someone that does/is!!

Some Witches and/or Pagans have altars set up permanently that they work on/from/with and add to and/or change over time/seasons/events.  I mentioned in my last blog post about the Tumblr blog "Fuch Yeah Altars" which has a lot of inspirational altars.  Equally if you're not out it might be difficult to explain why you have an Altar.  I know some people like YouTuber DragonFeather369 has a Dragon Altar (aka Draconic Altar) which when she was younger she told her family she was just really into Dragons and that was her Dragon collection.  Others (like myself for the first maybe 10 years) have pocket altars, shoebox altars, travel altars and other kinds of easy to set up and take down and hide altars.  Here's my YouTube video on my current travel altar which is in a small jewellery box I altered (I have this along side my main altar which can be seen on my @missimoinsane Instagram.) - That said it's not important to have an altar and/or tools (as a Witch or a Pagan).  The biggest tool you need is yourself.  Tools are more of a visual aid and something pretty we like to have.  While some can be more practical like say a mortar and pestle for grinding herbs it's not always essential and these things can also be easily found in nature (ie mortar and pestle = two rocks!) and some times are household items ie a wine glass can be a challice, a saucepan can be a cauldron, you could use a side plate or trinket bowl to give offerings (see more about offerings on my last weeks blog HERE). - This is just to name a few things.  Other ways to incorporate Witchy / Pagan elements are things like mundane looking jewellery which is actually an Amulet / Talisman or Charmed Jewellery (read more about that HERE).  Between Goth Decor, Vampire Decor, Bohemian Decor, Tumblr Decor, Pottery Barn Decor and oh the list goes on it's not completely unusual to have semi precious stones or crystals around your room/home nor dreamcatchers, moon phases, statues of black cats or even angels or other things like skulls or ravens or your favorite animals, deities or even element symbols, trinket boxes (containing secrets)..  A kitchen cupboard of herbs and spices oh the list goes on.  Of course if you're out it helps.  There are many subtle and not so subtle decor pieces, jewellery and items you can use as mentioned and there are many ways to keep a Book of Shadows such as on the computer such as evernote which you can link to multiple devices, a notebook or plain coloured folder or diary..  Mundane things can become ritualistic and magickal workings such as epsom salt in baths is very common for a relaxing bath but can double as a purifier to remove negative energies from yourself before working such as prayer.  Similar goes for blessing water, drinks you make such as tea or coffee stir in positive thoughts that you think while string in a clockwise (positive) or anticlockwise (negative) intentions.  If you're allowed a pet (why not get a familiar!) go to the pet store/shelter and allow one to choose you.  If price for tools, decor and/or supplies is a factor perhaps look on second hand places like Ebay, Charity / Thrift stores, PreLoved / Gumtree / Craigslist / Freecycle - depending where you live..  Also check out swap meets & groups.  You can always Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge (The three C's blog).  Other things you could do are Feng Shui (I spoke a bit about that in my colour blog).  There's a good number of books out there on everyday magick such as those by Author Deborah Blake.  Or books on Magickal Housekeeping!! - I'll be doing a blog about this and going into more details of what I wrote in this paragraph in a blog soon!!

Typically there are a few types of practicing witch.  

This also applies for Pagans and other Practitioners.

The first type is Solitary Practitioners – Solitary Witches are, as the name suggests, witches that practice alone; at least for the most part.  All their spells, rituals and other workings are done alone by themselves.  That's not to say they don't get together with others especially for the Sabbats, Esbats or other Holidays and Events.

The second type would be Coven Practitioners – There are many different types of covens.  Some include a high priest and/or priestess they often are the physical representation of Deity.  Some are very few in number (most typically 9 members or 13 members) and others are extensively larger.  Coven members usually gather together at least once a month - online or in person.  Think of them like a family.  Often if you wish to be a member of a Coven then you have to be initiated into it – this is more common for Pagan / Wiccan Covens than Witch Covens.  Typically when a coven is practicing or working attendance is mandatory.  That’s not to say that members don’t practice alone outside of the coven practices / workings.

Other types of study may be closed covens, open covens, circles, groves, couple or actual family practices and I shall not say cults.  (Feel free to research these study types and more).

Infamous / Famous witches from History?

As said in my opinion it is important to know the basics even if it’s not necessarily your interest or practice.  Likewise I deem it important to know some basics of Witch history internationally too not just Salem Witch Trials or the Spanish Inquisition.  Equally it’s important to know some basics of famous / infamous witches such as..

Tituba - An enslaved witch and died quite famously at the Salem Witch Trials.

Anne Boleyn - yes the second wife of King Henry VIII from the Tudor period of sixteen century England.

Marie Laveau – Famous Voodoo Priestess/Queen of New Orleans.

Sybil Leek - Modern historian and Author of many witchcraft books.  She was taught from a younge age and is one of Britain’s most famous witches.

Gerald Gardner - Of the as mentioned Gardnerian movement of Wicca in 1950's

Scott Cunningham – Although he much preferred to be known as a Wiccan than a Witch he is most famous for his books as on Wicca, Herbs and Incense although he wrote a few others.

Silver RavenWolf - Another famous witch and Author that is alive today is Silver RavenWolf.   

Just to name a few..

Activity..

• Research more about the different types of witches and their practices.
• Research Historical / Famous / Infamous Witches and Witch Events.
• (Optional) Research more into types of magickal people not just Witches.
• (Optional) Research and create yourself a magickal name.
• (Optional) Research more into Karma and/or Three Fold Law.
• (Optional) Journal about what type of Witch you believe yourself to be.

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.

Interact with me Activity..

• (Optional) on the Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..  

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.18 -  Divination.

Personal - My Ghostly Experience History! (let's talk?)

Witchy Wednesday - Today I had planned to do a video witchy haul of all the bits I have got over the past few weeks. - But medically I'm just not well enough so putting a pin in that 📍 and apologies!! That said I thought I'd bring you this blog post! 

Divination: Spirit Dice. Session 4. 

The first three felt like they would turn even the most stubborn non believer into the poster child for believers. As an empath at a lot of points there were a lot of strange emotions which did not feel like my own but deeply affected me, the first session even gave me the most terrible headache which disappeared upon the second session.   A few nights ago I decided to embark, the same way as before, into session 4 only I got nothing. I didn't feel anything, all the answers were absolutely nonsense and I felt a very different feeling to the times before when the answers you would have swore I had 'fixed' they were so uncanny..!

This has lead me on a path to explore 'how would one know if they had, or hadn't, made a spiritual connection?'  - During all my years I've never been good with spirit communications, by this I mean I have never been 'ok' with the idea of them. And mostly avoided any tools or 'things' that would connect me to them - for fear. Otherwise known as ignorance! 

My Ghostly Experience History. 

Today in my opinion as a child I had a best friend; who was a ghost.. However in my mums opinion I had an imaginary friend called Susanne. I was age 3 - 5 when we lived in our semi detached house in Leigh, Greater Manchester (England). I don't remember how it started... I just remember points of that time.. Her name was Susanne (a name of which was very unlikely I had come across at that time and even if I had it would most likely have been shortened to Sue). Looking back now I remember her as what I would now say was a victorian child aged around 6 years old with golden curls falling down from her bonnet and a sad expression. She would do things.. Things which would get me in trouble like paint my carpet with dad's expensive model paints or things I can't explain like fly me over the two (impossible to open or climb over) baby gates and down the stairs to the sofa to attempt to watch TV around 5/6am frequently. Furthermore never would she be around when we left the house - like she would be in the car until the car got off the driveway then she would be gone!  She was never at Nanna's, Grandma's, School, Friend's houses or anywhere other than that house.. Though she would disappear at night (and night time I didn't feel safe). The day we moved house I never saw her again. I have often thought of going back to that house.. Only.. It isn't there any more.. Just this weird space.. 

As a child, same house, I had such a fear of ghosts (especially at night) - one night, I must have been 4 or 5, I awoke in the middle of the night to find myself in complete darkness and silence (because ghosts can't get you if the light is on, tv or music playing - bless my younger self!!) I ran down stairs, Dad was up watching Formula1 / Grand Prix racing. I explained why I was scared to which he muted the TV, stood up and walked over to our record player he put on a vinyl record and proceeded to say "this man is dead, so how is it we can hear his voice?" To which I confidentiality replied "Easy! He recorded it when he was alive!" To which my Dad said "EXACTLY! And that's all ghost are they're just recording of people who were once alive!" - This for me was acceptable and somewhat cured my ghostly phobias and fears for a good number of years or at least until my teens. 

During my teens my ghostly history took a different turn. Before, to my knowledge, I had only dealt with benevolent beings though at age 13 a freak ouija board incident which made more rational me such a believer..  It made me scared of my fireplace and almost cost me my best friend at that time. I was so taken back by it that it scared me into research and ultimately is how I found out about witchcraft, wicca and paganism etc and thus this path!! During that time I tried to block out the things in the corner of my eye, those unexplained eerie feelings, those obvious fears based on too much TV, film.. ghost documentaries.. It had an effect on my anxiety and depression which at the age of 14 I was medicated as having manic depression (what they now call bipolar).  Over time it was almost like I had forgotten about my deep fears and I was left with those usual irrational fears people have of noises in the middle of the night, and dark alleyways or back streets in the dark, that unpleasant gut feeling or knowing.. 

A 'friend' I met when I was 16 enabled me to see horrible traumatic things, things no one else could see. I didn't deal with these things too well although I would blog about these things in poem form, poems titled things like "the girl at the bottom of my bed", "the boy hanging from the tree" even one titled "the night at the slaughterhouse". My family who saw my blog seeked professional help for me fearing further / worse mental health issues,  I ended up in counselling therapy as well as moving to be with different family members due to other issues at that time but was already being medicated for depression. Later when I was 16.. 16th September 2005 to be exact my boyfriend killed himself. From that I just didn't deal well with much of anything, I blocked off everything for fear of what I might see and to this day (I'm now 28) I haven't seen anything.. while signs and feelings have been made present I'm thinking perhaps now is the time to open the door and become educated and learn..?!

BB Imogen x 

 Any thoughts? Experiences? Book recommendations? - I would love people to talk too about this!

WW. Hedge Witch - What is one?

What is a "Hedge Witch"?

Hedge Witches.

The name 'Hedge Witch' originates from many many many moons ago when villages were separated by the forests.  The edge of these forests, where they met the village, were known a hedge.  You would often find, in most villages, a herbal practitioner who lived in or near the edge of the forest.  - These practitioners of herbal and/or spiritual practice who lived near the hedge became known as Hedge Witches or a Hedge Witch.

Today's Hedge Witch doesn't necessarily live in or even anywhere near a forest, or Village for that matter.  The term still is used based on the practice, though they do still tend to have a great relationship with nature.  Also most commonly known for always having a remedy, lotion, potion, brew or something for every occurring aliment or requirement.

A Hedge Witch is also known for not only herbal practice for medicinal and spiritual purposes but also for having an understanding of nature and is often seen encouraging spiders, wasps and other unwanted bug killers as a natural way to tend to their plants.

A Hedge Witch is a witch who practices a very eclectic path and is the one you would seek if say you were unable to see a Doctor or Dentist for example.  A Hedge Witch has many herbal remedies in his/her cupboard for many an ailment. For they know many medicinal and spiritual properties of many plants and how they can aid and treat many different symptoms.  This knowledge would usually be passed down through generations and each Hedge Witch takes pride in developing their knowledge and these skills through further reading and practice.

That said a Hedge Witch is a solitary practitioner.  She/He doesn't belong to a coven or follow any organised religion.  But she/he does follow their own craft and is very much a free spirit.  Their knowledge, as mentioned, usually handed down to them by their family.  Though intially through word of mouth and practice.  To this day no two Hedge Witches are alike in fact it is said that you can ask a dozen Hedge Witches what they think a Hedge Witch is like and each of them could come up with a dozen different answers themselves!!  That said while they follow the same general rules, ie properties and uses for various herbs and practice, they each follow their own unique paths.

Not all Hedge Witches follow Deity.  Though most do have just a general belief in The God and Goddess as in Nature.

Hedge witches are also known as shamans, charmers, healers, and, priest/esses, Rea Beth coined a great term Hedge Mystic. A person who studies and practices the Great Mysteries of Nature.

BB - Imogen 

Resources & Good Reading:

• http://www.angelfire.com/folk/greenwitch/sacred.html
• http://hedgewitchforest.com
• http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=caon&c=words&id=11899
• http://www.scottishpf.org/hedgewitch.html
• http://www.sallymorningstar.com/hed.htm